A scam-savvy Calgary senior, Michael O’Reilly, recently thwarted an attempt by fraudsters to con him out of thousands of dollars. The scammer, pretending to be O’Reilly’s nephew, called him claiming to be in jail and in need of $6,000 to get released due to a car crash and a broken nose. However, O’Reilly grew suspicious and started recording the call, pressing the caller for more information.
As O’Reilly continued to question the caller, the scammer eventually hung up after being unable to provide details about O’Reilly’s nephew’s immediate family. Despite knowing it was a scam all along, O’Reilly admitted that the caller was very convincing and sounded remarkably like his nephew.
This incident sheds light on the rise of senior scams, particularly grandparent or “loved one” scams, which have been defrauding seniors for years. According to the Calgary Police Service, there have been approximately 32 reported incidents since January, resulting in a total loss of approximately $180,250.
Dr. Ryan Henry, a cyber-security expert, highlighted the role of technological advances in aiding scammers, especially in voice mimicking technologies. He advised people to act defensively and verify information before taking any action that could lead to financial loss. By asking specific questions and insisting on calling back directly, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.